Donald Trump's recent declaration that his next diplomatic focus will be to end the conflict in Ukraine has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, particularly among Cubans. With a blend of bitter humor and pent-up frustration, they encapsulated their sentiment with a phrase: "Someone else jumped the line."
This reaction erupted on Monday after Trump, during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, stood alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and stated, "Now that this is over, we are going to focus on that issue to see if we can solve it."
Trump was addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, just hours after announcing a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
For Cubans, the issue lies in Trump's previously outlined geopolitical sequence: Venezuela, Iran, and then Cuba.
On June 4th, from the Oval Office, Trump was emphatic: "I like to do one thing at a time. We'll deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and once that's resolved, we'll make a quick stop back. We'll handle that."
Earlier, on March 27th at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, he was even more direct: "Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that."
Now, with Ukraine at the forefront of the agenda and the formal signing of the treaty with Iran scheduled for Friday, June 19th in Geneva, Cuba finds itself once again in the waiting room.
Comments on Facebook posts turned the metaphor of "the line"—so ingrained in Cuban culture—into the ideal vehicle to express their frustration.
"Ukraine arrived after Cuba... the line should be respected," "Who's selling the spots?" "No more line jumpers."
The phrase "Ukraine is plan jaba"—a reference to a plan that offered purchasing advantages to working women in the island's supply lines—captured with dark humor the feeling that Ukraine had jumped ahead in Washington's list of priorities.
Beyond the humor, the exhaustion of those living through the crisis was evident: "We've been without power for days and there's no food," "The people can't take it anymore," "We're worse off than if we were at war," "I've lost faith."
A third wave of comments leaned towards self-criticism: "No one is going to come to solve our problems," "Change has to come from the Cubans themselves," "Cuba belongs to Cubans and Cuban problems need to be solved by Cubans."
As Trump and Zelensky met on Tuesday at the G7 to coordinate positions on Ukraine, Cubans on social media concluded the debate with an unanswered question that has been lingering for months: "And what about Cuba, brother?"
Common Questions About Cuba's Position in Global Politics
Why is Ukraine a higher priority than Cuba for Trump?
Trump's focus on Ukraine over Cuba may be influenced by the geopolitical tensions involving major powers like Russia and the strategic importance of resolving such conflicts. The visibility and immediacy of the Ukraine issue could be deemed more pressing on the international stage.
What are the implications of Cuba being "in the waiting room"?
Cuba remaining "in the waiting room" suggests that its issues are not a top priority for the U.S. administration, potentially prolonging economic and political challenges on the island. This can lead to increased frustration among Cubans who hope for international intervention or support.